Joaquin
Archivaldo Guzman Loera, known by various aliases, including “El Chapo”
and “El Rapido,” was convicted today by a federal jury in Brooklyn, New
York of being a principal operator of a continuing criminal enterprise –
the Mexican organized crime syndicate known as the Sinaloa Cartel – a
charge that includes 26 drug-related violations and one murder
conspiracy. Guzman Loera was convicted of all 10 counts of a
superseding indictment, including narcotics trafficking, using a firearm
in furtherance of his drug crimes and participating in a money
laundering conspiracy. The verdict followed a 12-week trial before U.S.
District Judge Brian M. Cogan. Guzman Loera faces a mandatory sentence
of life imprisonment at his sentencing scheduled on June 25.

Acting Attorney General Matthew G. Whitaker, U.S. Department of
Homeland Security Secretary Kirstjen Nielsen, Assistant Attorney General
Brian A. Benczkowski of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division,
U.S. Attorney Richard P. Donoghue for the Eastern District of New York,
U.S. Attorney Ariana Fajardo Orshan for the Southern District of
Florida, Acting Administrator Uttam Dhillon of the U.S. Drug Enforcement
Administration (DEA), FBI Director Christopher Wray, Executive
Associate Director Derek Benner of U.S. Immigration and Customs
Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and Acting U.S.
Marshal Bryan T. Mullee of the Eastern District of New York, announced
the verdict.

The Evidence at Trial:

As proven at trial, Guzman Loera was a principal leader of the
Sinaloa Cartel, a Mexico-based international drug trafficking
organization responsible for importing and distributing vast quantities
of cocaine, marijuana, methamphetamine and heroin into the United
States. The evidence at trial, including testimony from 14 cooperating
witnesses; narcotics seizures totaling over 130,000 kilograms of cocaine
and heroin; weapons, including AK-47s and a rocket-propelled grenade
launcher; ledgers; text messages; videos; photographs and intercepted
recordings, detailed the drug trafficking activity of Guzman Loera and
his co-conspirators over a 25-year period from January 1989 until
December 2014. Guzman Loera was repeatedly referred to by witnesses as
one of the leaders of the Sinaloa Cartel.

Guzman Loera oversaw the smuggling of narcotics to wholesale
distributors in Arizona, Atlanta, Chicago, Los Angeles, Miami, New York,
and elsewhere. The billions of illicit dollars generated from drug
sales in the United States were then clandestinely transported back to
Mexico. Guzman Loera also used “sicarios,” or hit men, who
carried out hundreds of acts of violence in Mexico to enforce Sinaloa’s
control of territories and to eliminate those who posed a threat to the
Sinaloa Cartel.

Drug Trafficking

In the course of the decades-long drug trafficking conspiracy, the
Sinaloa Cartel transported tens of thousands of kilograms of narcotics
from Central and South America for distribution in the United States.
Guzman Loera used various methods to transport the cartel’s narcotics
into the United States, including submarines, carbon fiber airplanes,
trains with secret compartments and transnational underground tunnels.
Multiple witnesses testified about seizures by law enforcement officers
of massive amounts of cocaine, heroin and marijuana linked to the
Sinaloa Cartel. One of the largest seizures of drugs bound for the
United States involved over seven tons of cocaine concealed in jalapeño
cans.

Guzman Loera also utilized a sophisticated encrypted communications
network to operate the global narcotics trafficking operation. As an
information technology engineer testified at trial, Guzman Loera paid
him one million dollars to purchase and set up a network to enable the
defendant to communicate via the internet with his drug trafficking
associates in Colombia, Ecuador, Canada and the United States without
fear of being intercepted by law enforcement or his rivals. The witness
devised a secret and secure system, consisting of encrypted cell phones
and encrypted apps.

Cartel Violence

The success of the Sinaloa Cartel relied upon the use of violence to
maintain their power throughout the region and beyond. Numerous
co-conspirators testified that Guzman Loera directed his hitmen to
kidnap, interrogate, torture and shoot members of rival drug
organizations, at times carrying out acts of violence himself. A former
hitman testified that Guzman Loera beat two men with a tree branch
until their bodies “were completely like rag dolls,” before shooting the
men and ordering their bodies be tossed into a bonfire. The former
hitman also testified that Guzman Loera interrogated a rival drug cartel
member, shot him and ordered that he be buried alive. In an
intercepted call, the jury heard Guzman Loera order one of his sicarios to kidnap rival cartel members, but not to kill them without first checking with him.

Weapons

The Sinaloa Cartel had unfettered access to weapons. A law
enforcement witness showed the jury over 40 AK-47s that were seized in
El Paso, Texas before they could be delivered to Guzman Loera in
Mexico. Additionally, witnesses identifed photographs of various
weapons, including grenades and a rocket-propelled grenade launcher
utilized by the Sinaloa Cartel. Guzman Loera’s personal arsenal
included a gold plated AK-47 and three diamond-encrusted .38 caliber
handguns, one emblazoned with his initials, “JGL.”

Corruption

The evidence presented at trial demonstrated that to further the
interests of the Sinaloa Cartel, Guzman Loera and his organization took
advantage of a vast network of corrupt government officials. These
officials ranged from local law enforcement officers, prison guards,
state officials, high ranking members of the armed forces, as well as
politicians. These corrupt officials assisted Guzman Loera and his
organization in exchange for millions of dollars’ worth of bribery
payments. For example, according to the testimony of several witnesses,
in many instances, Guzman Loera and his workers were warned of pending
law enforcement operations which allowed Guzman Loera to avoid capture
on multiple occasions. In other instances, Guzman Loera, through his
employees, paid officials to turn a blind eye to trafficking activities
in an effort to facilitate the shipment of drugs, weapons, and bulk
cash.

Money Laundering

Guzman Loera’s lucrative drug trafficking business generated billions
of dollars in illicit proceeds. Guzman Loera used various methods to
launder money including bulk cash smuggling from the United States to
Mexico. One of the largest seizures was of $1.26 million seized from
hidden compartments in a truck driven by Guzman Loera’s brother in
Douglas, Arizona in 1989. In addition to the bulk cash smuggling,
Guzman Loera oversaw numerous shell companies, including a juice company
and a fish flour company to launder the cartel’s narcotics trafficking
proceeds.

“I am pleased that the Department has brought Joaquin Guzman Loera
(El Chapo) to justice by securing a conviction against this drug
kingpin, who was a principal leader of the Sinaloa Cartel,” said Acting
Attorney General Whitaker. “As was clear to the jury, Guzman Loera’s
massive, multi-billion dollar criminal enterprise was responsible for
flooding the streets of the United States with hundreds of tons of
cocaine, as well as enormous quantities of other dangerous drugs such as
heroin and methamphetamine. The trial evidence also overwhelmingly
showed that Guzman’s unceasing efforts to expand his cartel’s control
and consolidate its power left a wake of corruption and violence in
communities in both Mexico and the United States. This case
demonstrated the extraordinary reach of the U.S. government, our
tenacity and commitment to pursuing kingpins like Guzman whom — if their
power is unchecked — will, like Guzman, develop what for 25 years was
an almost unstoppable capacity to move massive quantities of drugs into
our country. Guzman had the capital to absorb huge losses and run his
enterprise with impunity; the enormous power to corrupt; and the
capability to employ violence on a massive scale. This case, and more
importantly, this conviction serves as an irrefutable message to the
kingpins that remain in Mexico, and those that aspire to be the next
Chapo Guzman, that eventually you will be apprehended and prosecuted.
Finally, this verdict demonstrates that the United States, working in
close partnership with the Mexican government, will continue to bring
all possible resources to bear in its fight against international drug
traffickers and their violent organizations.”

“The guilty verdict against Joaquin Guzman Loera, one of the most
violent and feared drug kingpins of our time, is a testament to the hard
work and courage of America’s frontline law enforcement personnel,
including ICE’s Homeland Security Investigations,” said DHS Secretary
Nielsen. “They gathered substantial evidence over multiple
investigations, which made his extradition to the United States and a
successful prosecution possible. Today’s verdict sends an unmistakable
message to transnational criminals: you cannot hide, you are not beyond
our reach, and we will find you and bring you to face justice. Like
Guzman, you will suffer the consequences of your criminal behavior. I
applaud the brave men and women at DHS who helped make this conviction
possible and thank our interagency and international partners for their
exceptional work.”

“Guzman Loera’s bloody reign atop the Sinaloa Cartel has come to an
end, and the myth that he could not be brought to justice has been laid
to rest,” said U.S. Attorney Donoghue. “Today, Guzman Loera has been
held accountable for the tons of illegal narcotics he trafficked for
more than two decades, the murders he ordered and committed, and the
billions of dollars he reaped while causing incalculable pain and
suffering to those devastated by his drugs. Today’s verdict is the
culmination of the tireless work of countless brave members of law
enforcement, here and abroad, and we congratulate them. The Department
of Justice is committed to eradicating criminal organizations that fuel
America’s drug epidemic, and our mission will continue until it is
completed.”

“The conviction of former Sinaloa Cartel leader Joaquin Guzman Loera
strips the power from a man who employed horrific acts of violence to
infect communities, throughout the United States and abroad, with the
venom of illicit drugs,” said U.S. Attorney Fajardo Orshan. “Today’s
verdict is a reminder to all, that our international borders do not
protect narco-traffickers and the cartels’ criminal enterprises from
federal prosecution. U.S. Attorney’s Offices across the nation stand
united with our domestic and foreign law enforcement partners, as we
continue our fight against transnational criminal organizations.”

“The reign of Joaquin Guzman Loera’s crime and violence has come to
an end,” said FBI Director Wray. “As leader of the Sinaloa Cartel,
Guzman Loera carried out and directed acts of brazen violence as he
oversaw the import and distribution of vast amounts of illegal drugs
throughout the United States. But today, through the steadfast
determination and collective efforts of the FBI and our law enforcement
partners both domestic and abroad, and due to our continuing partnership
with the Government of Mexico, justice has been served.”

“Today’s conviction of Joaquin “El Chapo” Guzman demonstrates the
dedication and determination of the men and women of DEA to bring the
world’s most dangerous and prolific drug trafficker to justice,” said
DEA Acting Administrator Dhillon. “Those who bring drugs and violence
into the United States that destroy lives and communities will not be
tolerated, nor evade our reach. The success of this case is a testament
to the strength of our relationship with our Mexican counterparts. DEA
will continue to pursue justice worldwide and protect Americans.”

“HSI is committed to using our unique border authority to target and
dismantle transnational criminal organizations responsible for
trafficking narcotics and bringing violence into the United States,”
said HSI Executive Associate Director Benner. “Through collaboration
with local, federal and international law enforcement partners, HSI
special agents were able to bring an end to Joaquin Guzman Loera’s
criminal activities, and help ensure he was brought to justice.”

“The conviction of Joaquin “El Chapo” Guzman demonstrates what is
possible when law enforcement works collectively and coordinates their
efforts,” said Acting U.S. Marshal Mullee. “The U.S. Marshals Service
ensured the integrity of the judicial process in this case. From
providing safe and secure detention and transportation of the world’s
most notorious drug kingpin to ensuring the anonymity of the jury,
protecting the judge, attorneys, witnesses and the public, the Marshals
Service proudly played its important role in the process. I would like
to express my gratitude to all of our law enforcement partners who
worked tirelessly in support of our mission. They are the talented men
and women of the New York City Police Department, Federal Protective
Service, 24th Civil Support Team of the New York National
Guard, and the Federal Bureau of Prisons. The U.S. Marshals take our
responsibility of protecting the federal judicial process very
seriously. We must anticipate and deter threats, while continuously
developing and employing innovative protective tactics. We carry out
these responsibilities with precision every day across the country. The
successful prosecution of Joaquin “El Chapo” Guzman stands as a shining
example of our mission.”

When sentenced by Judge Cogan, Guzman Loera faces a mandatory life
sentence without the possibility of parole for leading a continuing
criminal enterprise, and a sentence of up to life imprisonment on the
seven remaining drug counts. After the verdict, the government will
seek a forfeiture money judgment for billions of dollars constituting
the cartel’s illegal drug-trafficking proceeds.

The government’s case is being prosecuted by U.S. Department of
Justice Trial Attorneys Amanda Liskamm, Anthony Nardozzi, Michael Lang
and Brett Reynolds of the Criminal Division’s Narcotic and Dangerous
Drug Section, Assistant U.S. Attorneys Gina Parlovecchio, Andrea
Goldbarg, Michael Robotti, Patricia Notopoulos and Hiral Mehta of the
Eastern District of New York and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Adam Fels and
Lynn Kirkpatrick of the Southern District of Florida.

The case was investigated by the DEA, HSI and the FBI, in cooperation
with Mexican, Ecuadorian, Netherlands, Dominican, and Colombian law
enforcement authorities. Substantial assistance was provided by the U.S.
Attorneys’ Offices in the Northern District of Illinois, the Western
District of Texas, the Southern District of New York, the Southern
District of California and the District of New Hampshire. The
Department of Justice’s Office of International Affairs also played an
integral role in securing the extradition of Guzman Loera to the United
States, in cooperation with authorities of the Mexican government,
without which his extradition and prosecution would not have been
possible. The investigative efforts in this case were coordinated with
the Department of Justice’s Special Operations Division, comprising of
agents, analysts and attorneys from the Criminal Division’s Narcotic and
Dangerous Drug Section; DEA New York, DEA Miami, FBI Washington Field
Office, FBI New York Field Office, FBI Miami Field Office; HSI New York,
HSI Nogales; Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; U.S.
Marshals Service; IRS Criminal Investigation; U.S. Bureau of Prisons,
NYPD and New York State Police.

This case is the result of the ongoing efforts by the Organized Crime
Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF), a partnership that brings
together the combined expertise and unique abilities of federal, state
and local law enforcement agencies. The principal mission of the OCDETF
program is to identify, disrupt, dismantle and prosecute high level
members of drug trafficking, weapons trafficking and money laundering
organizations and enterprises.

Comments:
What a waist of tax payers money to babysit this in-humane piece of trash so he can rot in prison!

Posted by Big Al at 2/13/2019 10:02:17 PM

Take his fortune and build the WALL

Posted by Sasquatch at 2/15/2019 3:42:40 PM

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